Some amazing weekend getaways and easy day trips
Comfortable and easy day trips and overnights are just a car, train or bus ride away from your city. Depending on what you are looking for - rural sojourns, adventure expeditions, wildlife photography, wilderness camping, biking, culinary destinations or art, craft & culture, you’ll be spoilt for choice as you have myriads of weekend getaways to satiate your wanderlust, invigorate and rejuvenate your mind and body and stir up your soul.
Region: Alwar
The landscape is picturesque bestowed with green hills, several beautiful lakes, magnificent palaces and temples of historic importance dotting the region. The lakes worth a mention are Jai Samand Lake, the nearest to the city, and Lake Siliserh, the most popular and, no doubt, the most beautiful of the lakes around Alwar. The lake Siliserh was built in 1845, spreads over an area of around 10 sq. km. Monsoon as always unravels its opulence heightening the magnificence and charm of the serene lake, the surrounding lush green hills and the splendid white palace perched on a hill slope set against the emerald, green backdrop and overlooking the shimmering lake...... it’s a marvellous sight to behold!
Alwar is steeped in history and legends galore - Pandu Pol is a glorious mix of history and nature. It is believed that the exiled Pandava brothers took refuge for a while in the dense forests here. Pandu Pol is much known for the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, depicted in a reclining state and its beauty, is enhanced by the cascading spring that originates from the hard compact rocks. Neelkanth, a region that prospered for more than ten centuries, is worth a visit, as its 360 step-wells and 360 temple mounds, can hold any visitor in awe. It houses some beautiful sculptures, excellent carvings and a richly decorated ceiling. A short trek away is the famous Jain temple with a colossal statue of 23rd tirthankara, Parshavanath. Nearby is the magnificent statue of reclining Lord Vishnu. One of the sacred pilgrimage sites in Rajasthan lies on northern fringes of the Sariska Reserve. The village here is home to the famous Narayani Mata Temple. The temple has holy spring - an usual source of water, all year around in a semi-arid region. The spring along with the grove of old trees makes it a picturesque spot.
Located within the precincts of the region are the remnants of three ancient settlements. Bhangarh a pre-historic site shrouded in mystery and myths is one such settlement, known for the Bhangarh Fort located in southern most point of the Sariska Sanctuary. The fort was built in 1613 by Madho Singh, son of the Mughal general, Man Singh of Amer, but abandoned soon after being built, though not known why - the so called haunted town, remains an enigma till date. As one heads north-west towards Pratapgarh, you come upon Ajaibgarh, a beautiful old fort situated amid the verdant forest with a lovely reservoir nearby, offering a panoramic view of the walled town, although well preserved but uninhabited. Heading further westwards, the drive becomes extremely enjoyable and very enchanting as one passes through scenic landscape to Pratapgarh,an impressive hill fort that dominates the region.
Region: Shekhawati
The towns of Shekhawati region are renowned worldwide for their exquisitely painted havelis (mansion). The region has come to be known as the "Open art gallery of Rajasthan" having the largest collection of frescos in the world. The frescoes adorning these old havelis dates back over hundred to two hundred years. Shekhawati rulers, mostly Shekhawats, were prolific builders and every Thikanas (fiefdom) had a magnificent fort or a formidable fortress built during their reign. These intricately painted pieces of architecture, more than 50 forts and palaces built, have elevated this region to be one of the richest and the most eventful place in the history of state.
The region is extremely proud of the fact that it has the highest percentage of men enlisting to the Indian Army. This place is also known as 'Scotland of India' because of its brave, sacrificing and painstaking inhabitants.
Shekhawati region boasts of some very fine reminders of the glorious past which showcases exquisite craftsmanship of a bygone era – forts, palaces, temples, havelis and other majestic monuments of architectural and historical value makes it a photographer’s delight. The endless stretches of this region unfolds the rustic charm of a life typical to a desert town or a quiet country side, the magnetism of its people, their simplicity and simple lifestyle, their daily chores of farming, cattle-rearing and artistry, customs and culture spells a magic that leaves one mystified and entices one to spend few days in the wonderful locale. The camel rides on the sand dunes and through the open spaces and the farmlands of Shekhawati villages are an unforgettable experience as are the sunsets and the camping on the dunes.
Region: Jaipur-Dausa
The Pink City, an exotic destination which for centuries has kept visitors captivated and mesmerised by its rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels. The vibrant city with all the trappings of modernity is strongly flavoured with mystical charm, warm hospitality and age-old traditions, that never fails to lure its visitors time and again. There are plethoras of activities that can give one immense pleasure in the pristine areas as well as in the city itself. Stunning backdrop of ancient forts of Jaigarh, Nahargarh and Amer are apt testimonials of the bygone era and a reminder of their everlasting chivalry and romance.The bustling bazaars with myriads of wares from colourful textile to jewellery, handicrafts and blue pottery- an endless list, remains to be a major crowd puller even today. An old majestic city with its palaces and forts, fairs and festivities, wilderness and wildlife, never fails surprise a traveller.
Region: Jaipur-Dausa
The Pink City, an exotic destination which for centuries has kept visitors captivated and mesmerised by its rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels. The vibrant city with all the trappings of modernity is strongly flavoured with mystical charm, warm hospitality and age-old traditions, that never fails to lure its visitors time and again. There are plethoras of activities that can give one immense pleasure in the pristine areas as well as in the city itself. Stunning backdrop of ancient forts of Jaigarh, Nahargarh and Amer are apt testimonials of the bygone era and a reminder of their everlasting chivalry and romance.The bustling bazaars with myriads of wares from colourful textile to jewellery, handicrafts and blue pottery- an endless list, remains to be a major crowd puller even today. An old majestic city with its palaces and forts, fairs and festivities, wilderness and wildlife, never fails surprise a traveller.
Region: Tonk-Bundi-Ranthambhore
Towns of Tonk are a perfect refuge to enjoy supreme solitude in a natural environs way away from the hustle-bustle of a typical metro life. Besides comfortable stay at the palaces and fortresses, there are numerous activities that one can indulge in. The rustic countryside provides a rare opportunity for visitors to appreciate and understand Rajasthani culture and way of life.
It is one of the unique habitats in Rajasthan with a marvelous natural bounty and landscape so fascinating and diverse, ranging from hills to plains, valley to wetlands, and dunes to green pastures - truly enchanting to mesmerise its visitors. The area is also home to a large number of amazing historic monuments on unmapped routes.
Nestled at the convergence of the Aravalli hill ranges and the Vindhyan plateau, some 150 km southeast of Jaipur, lies Ranthambhore, a town with an extraordinary blend of history and nature, can instantaneously captivate any visitor. The Ranthambhore fort, more popular the world over, for its tiger reserve - the Ranthambhore National Park. National Park is a rich haven for wildlife. It is situated in a vast arid tract of Eastern Rajasthan that spans between the Chambal River to the south and Banas to the north. It is an ultimate destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Bundi, an unexplored splendour, although isolated has an amazing array of historical and cultural wealth to offer its visitors. The land of many magnificent palaces and imposing forts, Bundi - a land blessed by Mother Nature, is vibrant with sparkling rivers, serene lakes and spellbinding waterfalls. This pristine locale with its verdant lands is a home to rare species of flora and fauna. The tranquil and beautiful environs are beckoning, a wonderful way to enjoy a day exploring caves, ambling around ancient temple sites, swim in the small pools of water near cascading waterfalls, savouring the sizzling local cuisine, followed by a trek through the dense jungles. A day full of joy is ultimate bliss!
Stay options:
Hotels / Resorts / Farm stays / Home stays / Camping
Activities:
Jungle safari / Jeep safari / off-roading / Dune-bashing / Biking / Horse safari / Camel safari / Trekking / Climbing / Trail blazing / Camping / Boating / Nature and wildlife photography / Cave explorations / Art and craft learning / sight-seeing and Village visit.
Standard Itinerary:
Friday
Arrival and check-in late evening
Welcome drinks and snacks
Dinner and overnight
Saturday
Early morning trek / biking / camel cart ride / jeep drive to nearby scenic spot to watch sunrise
Breakfast
Visits and activities
Lunch
Visits and activities
Tea and snacks at outdoor locations
Dinner
Sunday
Breakfast
Visits and activities
Lunch
Pack-up and departure
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